ABSTRACT
The physiological control of balance is undoubtedly complex, relying on accurate central coordination of inputs from a number of peripheral systems. It is therefore unsurprising that almost any disease process can include imbalance (‘dizziness’, ‘presyncope’ or ‘ lightheadedness’) amongst its presenting symptoms. Similarly, ‘ dizziness’ is one of the most commonly occurring medication side effects, reported in over 350 medications in the British National Formulary.1 True vertigo,
though less common, may also be present in a number of systemic illnesses, summarised in Table 16.1.
